Systems and methods for controlling center pivot irrigation systems

ABSTRACT

An electronic device is described, including memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to receive center pivot irrigation system information corresponding to a center pivot irrigation system and to request map data. The processor is also configured to a user interface with a map of the center pivot irrigation system. The processor is further configured to receive an input via the user interface indicating an input point. The processor is additionally configured to render an alteration point marker at a first position, the alteration point marker representing an alteration point for the pivot, the alteration point corresponding to a first radial position of the pivot at which a change in operation of the pivot is set to occur. The processor is also configured to control the center pivot irrigation system to alter operation of the pivot at the first radial position.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to and claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/582,936, filed Nov. 7, 2017, for “SYSTEMSAND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A CENTER PIVOT IRRIGATION SYSTEM,” which ishereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to irrigation systems. Morespecifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods forcontrolling a center pivot irrigation system.

BACKGROUND

Irrigation systems have been implemented to deliver fluid (e.g.,pressurized water). Small-scale and large-scale irrigation systems havebeen used. For example, irrigation systems may be used to water smalllawns or large-scale farming plots. Improvements to irrigation systemsare desirable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention will become apparent from thefollowing description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict onlyexamples of the invention thereof and are, therefore, not to beconsidered limiting of the invention's scope, particular embodimentswill be described with additional specificity and detail through use ofthe accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a center pivot irrigationsystem.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating one example of a control device;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating one example of an electronicdevice;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating one configuration of a method forcontrolling a center pivot irrigation system;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating one configuration of a method forcontrolling a center pivot irrigation system;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface and acenter pivot irrigation system in accordance with various embodiments ofthe systems and methods disclosed herein;

FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating an example of a pivot of a center pivotirrigation system;

FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating another example of a pivot of a centerpivot irrigation system;

FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating another example of a pivot of a centerpivot irrigation system;

FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating an example of a housing of a centerpivot irrigation system in which a control device may be housed;

FIG. 11 is an example of a user interface for remotely controlling acenter pivot irrigation system;

FIG. 12 is an example of another user interface for remotely controllinga center pivot irrigation system;

FIG. 13 is another example of a user interface illustrating multiplediagrams of center pivot irrigation systems;

FIG. 14 is an example of a user interface showing a map view of centerpivot irrigation systems;

FIG. 15 is an example of a user interface showing a detailed view of acenter pivot irrigation system;

FIG. 16 is another example of a user interface illustrating multiplediagrams of center pivot irrigation systems;

FIG. 17 is another example of a user interface showing a detailed viewof a center pivot irrigation system;

FIG. 18 is an example of a user interface when a direction button isactivated;

FIG. 19 is an example of a user interface when a speed button isactivated;

FIG. 20 is another example of a user interface when a speed button isactivated;

FIG. 21 is an example of a user interface when a delivery button isactivated;

FIG. 22 is an example of a user interface for setting a stop-in-slotangle;

FIG. 23 is another example of a user interface for setting astop-in-slot angle;

FIG. 24 is an example of a user interface for controlling multiplecenter pivot irrigation systems concurrently;

FIG. 25 is an example of a user interface when the stop-in-slot buttonis activated;

FIG. 26 is another example of a user interface when the stop-in-slotbutton is activated;

FIG. 27 is an example of a user interface with a photosynthesis mapcombined with map data and center pivot irrigation system information;

FIG. 28 is an example of a user interface when the mode button isactivated;

FIG. 29 is an example of a user interface for programming sectors for anend gun;

FIG. 30 is an example of a user interface for programming sectors forvariable-rate irrigation;

FIG. 31 is another example of a user interface for programming sectors;

FIG. 32 is a flow diagram illustrating one configuration of a method forcontrolling a center pivot irrigation system;

FIG. 33 is a flow diagram illustrating one configuration of a method forcontrolling a center pivot irrigation system; and

FIG. 34 illustrates various components that may be utilized in anelectronic device.

In accordance with common practice, the various features illustrated inthe drawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions ofthe various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.In addition, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus,the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given apparatus(e.g., device) or method. Finally, like reference numerals may be usedto denote like features throughout the specification and figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An electronic device is disclosed. The device may include memory and atleast one processor coupled to the memory. The at least one processormay be configured to receive center pivot irrigation system informationcorresponding to a center pivot irrigation system. The center pivotirrigation system may comprise a pivot center and a pivot. The pivot mayextend from the pivot center and may comprise a plurality of irrigationsprinklers coupled to an irrigation line. The pivot may be configured torotate about the pivot center through different radial positionsrelative to the pivot center. The at least one processor may beconfigured to request map data based on the center pivot irrigationsystem information. The map data may comprise one or more imagesincluding a location of the center pivot irrigation system. The at leastone processor may also be configured to receive the map data. The atleast one processor may be configured to present a user interface with amap of the center pivot irrigation system based on the map data. The atleast one processor may also be configured to receive an input via theuser interface indicating an input point on the map of the userinterface. The at least one processor may be further configured torender, on the map of the user interface, an alteration point marker ata first position aligned with the input point and a pivot centerlocation. The alteration point marker may represent an alteration pointfor the pivot. The alteration point may correspond to a first radialposition of the pivot at which a change in operation of the pivot is setto occur. The first position of the alteration point marker maycorrespond to the first radial position of the pivot. The at least oneprocessor may also be configured to control the center pivot irrigationsystem to alter operation of the pivot at the first radial position.

The at least one processor may be further configured to render a fineposition control on the user interface, receive an adjustment inputcorresponding to the fine position control, and adjust the alterationpoint based on the adjustment input.

The at least one processor may also be configured to determine a firstcoordinate of the input point on the map, and calculate the first radialposition based on the first coordinate and a second coordinate of thepivot center location.

The at least one processor may also be configured to receive anoperation input indicating the change in operation via the userinterface, and associate the alteration point with the change inoperation. The at least one processor may be configured to control thecenter pivot irrigation system by commanding the center pivot irrigationsystem to execute the change in operation based on the alteration point.

The at least one processor may be configured to receive a second inputvia the user interface indicating a second input point on the map of theuser interface, and determine a second alteration point based on thesecond input point and the center pivot irrigation system information.

The at least one processor may be configured to control the center pivotirrigation system by commanding the center pivot irrigation system toexecute the change in operation in a range between the alteration pointand the second alteration point.

The alteration point may correspond to an access road. In such anembodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to control thecenter pivot irrigation system by commanding the center pivot irrigationsystem to stop the pivot at the first radial position based on thealteration input.

The at least one processor may also be configured to alter operation ofthe pivot at the first radial position by commanding the center pivotirrigation system to stop moving, to start moving, to activate an endgun, to deactivate an end gun, to change speed, to change direction, tosupply auxiliary material, to stop supplying auxiliary material, tochange auxiliary material supply, to activate liquid flow, or todeactivate liquid flow at the first radial position.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium for storing computerexecutable code is also disclosed. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium may comprise code for causing an electronic device to receivecenter pivot irrigation system information from a center pivotirrigation system. The center pivot irrigation system may comprise apivot center and a pivot. The pivot may extend from the pivot center andmay comprise a plurality of irrigation sprinklers coupled to anirrigation line. The pivot may be configured to rotate through differentradial positions relative to the pivot center. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium may comprise code for causing the electronicdevice to request map data based on the center pivot irrigation systeminformation. The map data may comprise one or more images including alocation of the center pivot irrigation system. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium may comprise code for causing the electronicdevice to receive the map data. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium may also comprise code for causing the electronic device topresent a user interface with a map of the center pivot irrigationsystem based on the map data. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium may comprise code for causing the electronic device to receive aninput via the user interface indicating an input point on the map of theuser interface. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may comprisecode for causing the electronic device to render, on the map of the userinterface, an alteration point marker at a first position aligned withthe input point and a location of the pivot center. The alteration pointmarker may represent an alteration point for the pivot. The alterationpoint may correspond to a first radial position of the pivot at which achange in operation of the pivot is set to occur. The first position ofthe alteration point marker may correspond to the first radial positionof the pivot. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may comprisecode for causing the electronic device to control the center pivotirrigation system to alter operation of the pivot at the first radialposition.

The non-transitory computer-readable medium may further comprise codefor causing the electronic device to render a fine position control inthe user interface, code for causing the electronic device to receive anadjustment input corresponding to the fine position control, and codefor causing the electronic device to adjust the alteration point basedon the adjustment input. The non-transitory computer-readable medium mayfurther comprise code for causing the electronic device to determine afirst coordinate of the input point on the map, and code for causing theelectronic device to calculate the first radial position based on thefirst coordinate and a second coordinate of the pivot center location.

The non-transitory computer-readable medium may further comprise codefor causing the electronic device to receive an operation inputindicating the change in operation via the user interface, and code forcausing the electronic device to associate the alteration point with thechange in operation.

The non-transitory computer-readable medium may further comprise codefor causing the electronic device to control the center pivot irrigationsystem by commanding the center pivot irrigation system to execute thechange in operation based on the alteration point.

The non-transitory computer-readable medium may also comprise code forcausing the electronic device to render, on the map of the userinterface, an indicator of a pivot angle of the center pivot irrigationsystem based on the center pivot irrigation system information.

Another non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computerexecutable code is also disclosed. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium may comprise code for causing an electronic device to receivecenter pivot irrigation system information from a first server. A centerpivot irrigation system may comprise a pivot center and a pivot. Thepivot may extend from the pivot center and may comprise a plurality ofirrigation sprinklers coupled to an irrigation line. The pivot may beconfigured to rotate through different radial positions relative to thepivot center. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may comprisecode for causing the electronic device to request map data from a secondserver based on the center pivot irrigation system information. The mapdata may comprise one or more images including a location of the centerpivot irrigation system. The non-transitory computer-readable medium maycomprise code for causing the electronic device to receive the map datafrom the second server. The non-transitory computer-readable medium mayalso comprise code for causing the electronic device to present, on adisplay, a user interface with a map of the center pivot irrigationsystem based on the map data. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium may also comprise code for causing the electronic device torender, on the display, an indicator of a current radial position of thepivot on the map of the user interface. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium may further comprise code for causing theelectronic device to receive, via the user interface, an operation inputindicating a change in operation. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium may also comprise code for causing the electronic device toreceive an input via the user interface indicating an input point on themap of the user interface. The non-transitory computer-readable mediummay also comprise code for causing the electronic device to render, onthe map of the user interface, an alteration point marker at a firstposition aligned with the input point and a location of the pivotcenter. The alteration point marker may represent an alteration pointfor the pivot. The alteration point may correspond to a first radialposition of the pivot at which the change in operation of the pivot isset to occur, the first position of the alteration point markercorresponding to the first radial position of the pivot. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium may also comprise code forcausing the electronic device to build a command table based on thechange in operation and the alteration point, and code for causing theelectronic device to control the center pivot irrigation system based onthe command table.

The non-transitory computer-readable medium may further comprise codefor causing the electronic device to render a fine position control inthe user interface; code for causing the electronic device to receive anadjustment input corresponding to the fine position control; and codefor causing the electronic device to adjust the alteration point basedon the adjustment input.

The non-transitory computer-readable medium may further comprise codefor causing the electronic device to receive a second input via the userinterface indicating a second input point on the map of the userinterface; code for causing the electronic device to render, on thedisplay, an arc between the alteration point marker and a secondalteration point marker at a second position aligned with the secondinput point and the location of the pivot center. The arc may indicate arange of the change in operation.

The non-transitory computer-readable medium may further comprise codefor causing the electronic device to render, on the display, a pluralityof color-coded arcs corresponding to a plurality of center pivotirrigation system operations.

The non-transitory computer-readable medium may also comprise code forcausing the electronic device to display a set of thumbnail iconscorresponding to a set of center pivot irrigation systems including thecenter pivot irrigation system; and code for causing the electronicdevice to receive a selection input selecting the center pivotirrigation system. The code for causing the electronic device to presentthe user interface with the map of the center pivot irrigation systembased on the map data may be based on the selection input.

Various embodiments are now described with reference to the figures, inwhich like reference numbers may indicate functionally similar elements.The systems and methods as generally described and illustrated in thefigures herein could be arranged and designed in a wide variety ofdifferent embodiments. Thus, the following more detailed description ofseveral embodiments, as represented in the Figures, is not intended tolimit scope, as claimed, but is merely representative of the systems andmethods.

As used herein, the term “plurality” may indicate two or more. Forexample, a plurality of components may refer to two or more components.As used here, the term “couple” and variations thereof may denote adirect or indirect connection. For example, if a first component iscoupled to a second component, then the first component may be directlyconnected to the second component (with one or more wires, for example)or may be indirectly connected to the second component through one ormore other components. Further, it is to be appreciated that certainordinal terms (e.g., “first” or “second”) can be provided foridentification and ease of reference and may not necessarily implyphysical characteristics or ordering. Therefore, as used herein, anordinal term (e.g., “first,” “second,” “third”) used to modify anelement, such as a structure, a component, an operation, etc., does notnecessarily indicate priority or order of the element with respect toanother element, but rather distinguishes the element from anotherelement having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term). Inaddition, as used herein, indefinite articles (“a” and “an”) canindicate “one or more” rather than “one.” As used herein, a structure oroperation that “comprises” or “includes” an element can include one ormore other elements not explicitly recited. Thus, the terms “including,”“comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof signify “including butnot limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. Further, anoperation performed “based on” a condition or event can also beperformed based on one or more other conditions or events not explicitlyrecited. As used in this application, the terms “an embodiment,” “oneembodiment,” “another embodiment,” or analogous language do not refer toa single variation of the disclosed subject matter; instead, thislanguage refers to variations of the disclosed subject matter that canbe applied and used with a number of different implementations of thedisclosed subject matter. An enumerated listing of items does not implythat any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutuallyinclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a center pivot irrigationsystem 100. The center pivot irrigation system 100 may include a pivotcenter 102 and a plurality of wheeled irrigation towers 106. Irrigationpipe may be mounted between the pivot center 102 and a wheeledirrigation tower 106, and between wheeled irrigation towers 106. Thepivot 104 may be configured to rotate about the pivot center 102 throughdifferent radial positions relative to the pivot center 102. As usedherein, a “radial position” denotes a position relative to a center of acircular shape or pivot center 102. A radial position may be expressedin one or more quantities. An example of a radial position is an anglerelative to a direction (e.g., north, south, east, west, or an arbitrarydirection) from the center (e.g., pivot center 102). Other examples ofradial positions include coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude,World Geodetic System (WGS) coordinates, Global Positioning System (GPS)coordinates, GPS coordinates with Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS)correction, Earth-centered Earth-fixed (ECEF) coordinates, and/or east,north, up (ENU) coordinates) and vectors. Each of the wheeled irrigationtowers 106 may comprise wheels that allow the pivot 104 to rotate aroundthe pivot center 102 to different radial positions. The wheels may bedriven with electrical motors.

The pivot 104 may include irrigation sprinklers coupled to one or moreirrigation lines (e.g., irrigation pipe). For example, irrigationsprinklers may be coupled to the irrigation pipe in order to deliverpressurized fluid (e.g., water, fertilizer, and/or pesticide). Theirrigation pipe may be supported by trusses. While five wheeledirrigation towers 106 are illustrated in the example in FIG. 1, itshould be noted that different numbers of wheeled irrigation towers 106may be utilized in a center pivot irrigation system 100. The irrigationpipe(s), wheeled irrigation towers 106, sprinklers, and/or trusses maybe referred to as the pivot 104. In addition, it should be noted thatintervening irrigation pipe(s) and optional trusses may be referred toas spans.

The center pivot irrigation system 100 may include a control device 108.In various embodiments, the control device 108 may be situated near thepivot center 102. For example, the control device 108 may be housed in abox mounted to a structure at the pivot center 102. FIG. 10 illustratesan example of a box that may house the control device 108. Examples ofthe control device 108 may include electronic circuits, integratedcircuits, circuits with discrete components (e.g., resistors,capacitors, transistors, metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effecttransistors (MOSFETs), etc.), application-specific integrated circuits(ASICs), computers, and/or devices that include one or more processors,memory cells, latches, logic gates, etc. For instance, the controldevice 108 may include discrete components and/or a processor (e.g.,microprocessor) that may be used to control the center pivot irrigationsystem 100 and/or communicate information. In various embodiments, theprocessor may include and/or access software in memory and/or firmware.For example, the control device 108 may include memory. The memory maybe included on-board the processor or may be separate from theprocessor. The memory may store instructions and/or data (e.g.,information). Additionally or alternatively, the memory or a separatememory may store firmware.

The control device 108 may perform one or more functions for the centerpivot irrigation system 100. For example, the control device 108 maycontrol pivot 104 activation (e.g., whether the pivot 104 is moving),pivot 104 movement direction (e.g., motorized wheel direction, forwardor reverse), pivot movement speed (e.g., a percentage between no motionand maximum speed, speed in miles per hour (mph), and/or kilometers perhour (kph), etc.), whether pressurized fluid is being delivered (e.g.,whether a fluid pump is activated or deactivated), flow of pressurizedfluid (e.g., fluid pressure, pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI)),whether auxiliary fluid (e.g., fertilizer, weed killer and/or pesticide)is being delivered (e.g., whether an auxiliary pump is activated ordeactivated), and/or pivot radial position, etc. For example, thecontrol device 108 may control one or more electronic switches and/orsettings in order to control the one or more functions of the centerpivot irrigation system 100.

In various embodiments, the control device 108 may determine and/ormaintain center pivot irrigation system information (which may bereferred to as “information” in some cases herein). For example, thecenter pivot irrigation system information may include informationregarding pivot activation, pivot movement direction, pivot movementspeed, whether pressurized fluid is being delivered, flow of pressurizedfluid, whether auxiliary material (e.g., a fertilized or a pesticide) isbeing delivered, and/or pivot position (e.g., pivot angle, pivot vector,radial position of the pivot, and/or pivot coordinates), pivot centerlocation (e.g., coordinates), etc. In some implementations, the pivot104 may include a position sensing device (e.g., Global PositioningSystem (GPS)) situated at or near the remote end of the pivot 104 (e.g.,boom). The position sensing device may provide position information tothe control device 108 (and/or to one or more remote devices) fordetermining the radial position of the pivot 104. The position of thepivot center 102 may be predetermined and/or determined. For example,the control device 108 may include another positioning device (e.g., aGPS) and/or the pivot center 102 location may be predetermined (e.g.,determined at the time of installation). The radial position of thepivot 104 (e.g., a line or vector from the pivot center 102 to the endof the pivot 104, a coordinate of the pivot 104, an angle of the pivot104 relative to a direction) may be determined relative to the pivotcenter 102 location. For example, the control device 108 may determinean angle of the pivot 104 relative to north. For instance, the controldevice 108 may provide coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude) of thepivot center 102 and coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude) of theend of the pivot 104 to a function that returns a bearing (e.g., angleof the pivot 104) relative to a direction (e.g., north) when executed.In another approach, the pivot center 102 location may be determinedusing a positioning device at the end of the pivot 104. For example, thepivot center 102 may be determined as the center of a circle formed bythe rotating pivot 104. In various embodiments, the radial position ofthe pivot 104 may be determined based on one or more other sensors thatmay determine a mechanical position of the pivot 104 relative to thepivot center 102.

In various embodiments, the control device 108 may send all or a portionof the center pivot irrigation system information. For example, thecontrol device 108 may send all or a portion of the center pivotirrigation system information using a wired and/or wireless link to oneor more remote devices. For instance, the control device 108 may send asignal to another device indicating the information. The signal may becommunicated using a wired and/or wireless link. For example, the signalmay be communicated using a mesh network, Wi-Fi network, cellularnetwork, Ethernet network, and/or one or more other wired and/orwireless networks. In various embodiments, the data may be communicatedto a server, computer, smartphone tablet device, vehicle, and/or otherdevice. In some examples, the data may be provided to a server, whichmay send the data to one or more remote devices (e.g., smartphones,tablets, etc.). One or more devices may notify one or more users of theinformation. For example, one or more devices may present all or part ofthe information on a display.

The control device 108 may receive one or more instructions from one ormore remote devices. For example, the control device 108 may receiveinstructions regarding pivot activation, pivot movement direction, pivotmovement speed, whether pressurized fluid is being delivered, flow ofpressurized fluid, auxiliary fluid delivery, and/or pivot position, etc.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, an access road 110 allows accessto the pivot center 102 through a field. For instance, the access road110 may be a road or path where crops are not cultivated, allowing aperson or vehicle to pass through the field to the pivot center 102. Itmay be beneficial to remotely control the center pivot irrigation system100 in order to move the pivot 104 onto the access road 110. This mayallow for maintenance of the pivot 104 and/or may remove the obstructionof the pivot 104 during harvesting or other operations. In variousembodiments, the center pivot irrigation system 100 may be remotelycontrolled to move the pivot 104 onto the access road 110 and/or otherposition. For example, a remote device may instruct the control device108 to move the pivot 104 to a radial position and stop the pivot 104 atthat radial position. For instance, moving the pivot 104 to a specificradial position (e.g., access road position) may be referred to as“stop-in-slot” (SIS). It should be noted that although the access road110 is given in the example of FIG. 1, some examples of center pivotirrigation systems 100 may not be situated with an access road. A“stop-in-slot” position, if the position corresponds to a road, mayenable, for example, easy access to the pivot 104 for maintenancepurposes.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating one example of a control device212. The control device 212 described in connection with FIG. 2 may bean example of the control device 212 described in connection withFIG. 1. In various embodiments, the control device 212 may include acontroller 218, a communication interface 216, and/or a user interfacedevice 222.

The controller 218 may control a center pivot irrigation system. Asdescribed in connection with FIG. 1, the controller 218 may control oneor more functions for the center pivot irrigation system. For example,the controller 218 may control pivot activation, pivot movementdirection, pivot movement speed, whether pressurized fluid is beingdelivered, flow of pressurized fluid, whether auxiliary fluid, and/orpivot position, etc. For example, the controller 218 may control one ormore electronic switches and/or settings in order to control the one ormore functions of the center pivot irrigation system.

In various embodiments, the control device 212 may determine and/ormaintain center pivot irrigation system information as described inconnection with FIG. 1. For example, the center pivot irrigation systeminformation may include information regarding pivot activation, pivotmovement direction, pivot movement speed, whether pressurized fluid isbeing delivered, flow of pressurized fluid, whether auxiliary fluid isbeing delivered, and/or pivot position, etc. In some implementations,the pivot may include a position sensing device situated at or near theend of the pivot. The position sensing device may provide positioninformation to the control device 212 (and/or to one or more remotedevices) for determining the pivot position. The location of the pivotcenter may be predetermined or determined as described herein. Forexample, the control device 212 may include another positioning device,allowing the radial position of the pivot (e.g., angle of the pivot fromthe pivot center relative to a direction) to be determined.

The communication interface 216 may enable the control device 212 tocommunicate with one or more other devices (e.g., remote devices). Thecommunication interface 216 may provide wired and/or wirelesscommunication. For example, the communication interface 216 may includeone or more components for wireless communication (e.g., poweramplifier, low-noise amplifier, modem, encoder, decoder, upconverter,and/or downconverter). In various embodiments, the communicationinterface 216 may be coupled to one or more antennas 214. The antenna(s)214 may be utilized to radiate electromagnetic signals representing sentdata (e.g., center pivot irrigation system information). Additionally oralternatively, the antenna(s) 214 may be utilized to receiveelectromagnetic signals representing received data (e.g., instructions).Additionally or alternatively, the communication interface 216 mayinclude one or more components for wired communication (e.g., port(s),amplifier, signal formatter, and/or signal deformatter). For example,the communication interface 216 may transmit one or more electricalsignals on one or more wires and/or receive one or more electricalsignals on one or more wires (e.g., Ethernet cable, universal serial bus(USB) cable, phone cable). Accordingly, the signal(s) may becommunicated using a wired and/or wireless link. For example, the signalmay be communicated using a mesh network, Wi-Fi network, cellularnetwork, wide-area network, Ethernet network, and/or one or more otherwired and/or wireless networks. In various embodiments, the data may becommunicated to a server, computer, smartphone, tablet device, vehicle,and/or other device.

The communication interface 216 may send all or a portion of the centerpivot irrigation system information. For example, the communicationinterface 216 may send all or a portion of the center pivot irrigationsystem information using a wired and/or wireless link to one or moreremote devices. For instance, the communication interface 216 may send asignal to another device indicating the information. One or more devicesmay notify one or more users of the information. For example, one ormore devices may present all or part of the information on a display.

The communication interface 216 may receive one or more instructionsfrom one or more remote devices. For example, the communicationinterface 216 may receive instructions regarding pivot activation, pivotmovement direction, pivot movement speed, whether to deliver pressurizedfluid, flow of pressurized fluid, auxiliary fluid delivery, and/or pivotposition, etc. The controller 218 may receive the instruction(s) fromthe communication interface 216.

The controller 218 may include remote control logic 220. The remotecontrol logic 220 may enable a remote device to control the center pivotirrigation system. For example, the remote control logic 220 may utilizethe received instruction(s) to control the center pivot irrigationsystem. For example, the controller 218 may execute the receivedinstruction(s) as dictated by the remote control logic 220. In variousembodiments, the remote control logic 220 may control one or moreswitches and/or settings based on the received instruction(s). Forexample, the remote control logic 220 may activate or deactivate pivotmotion, may control pivot movement direction, control pivot movementspeed, activate or deactivate a fluid pump, increase or decrease fluidpressure, activate or deactivate an auxiliary pump, and/or move thepivot position to an instructed angle, etc. For example, if aninstruction to move the pivot to a particular radial position isreceived, the remote control logic 220 may move the pivot to that radialposition. The remote control logic 220 may determine when the pivot hasarrived at the radial position and may deactivate pivot movement. Insome examples, the radial position may correspond to an access road.Accordingly, the remote control logic 220 may control the pivot to moveuntil the pivot is situated at or by the access road and then maydeactivate motion. For example, the communication interface 216 mayreceive position information from a position sensor at the end of thepivot. The position information may be provided to the controller 218(e.g., remote control logic 220). When the position informationindicates that the pivot has arrived at an instructed radial position(e.g., angle, coordinate), the remote control logic 220 may deactivatepivot motion.

In various embodiments, the controller 218 may receive (via thecommunication interface 216, for example) alteration point informationfrom a remote device. For example, the alteration point information maybe a point (relative to a user interface, circular shape, and/or map,for instance) corresponding to a radial position at which a change inoperation of the pivot is set to occur. In some approaches, thecontroller 218 may transform the alteration point (relative to acircular shape and/or map, for example) to a (real-world) radialposition for the pivot. The controller 218 may then implement the changein operation when the pivot reaches the radial position.

In various embodiments, the control device 212 may include a userinterface device 222. For example, the user interface device 222 may bea panel including one or more interface means, such as buttons, knobs,switches, touch screens, displays, etc. The user interface device 222may be utilized to receive user input and/or to control the center pivotirrigation system locally.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating one example of an electronicdevice 324. The electronic device 324 described in connection with FIG.3 may be an example of the remote device described in connection withone or more of FIGS. 1-2. Examples of the electronic device 324 mayinclude a smartphone, tablet device, desktop computer, laptop computer,server, smart appliance, game console, etc. In various embodiments, theelectronic device 324 may include a processor 330, memory 332, acommunication interface 328, and/or a display 340.

The communication interface 328 may enable the electronic device 324 tocommunicate with one or more other devices (e.g., servers, controldevices, center pivot irrigation systems, and/or other electronicdevices). The communication interface 328 may provide wired and/orwireless communication. For example, the communication interface 328 mayinclude one or more components for wireless communication (e.g., poweramplifier, low-noise amplifier, modem, encoder, decoder, upconverter,and/or downconverter). In various embodiments, the communicationinterface 328 may be coupled to one or more antennas 326.

The antenna(s) 326 may be utilized to radiate electromagnetic signalsrepresenting sent data (e.g., instructions, data, and/or commands).Additionally or alternatively, the antenna(s) 326 may be utilized toreceive electromagnetic signals representing received data (e.g., centerpivot irrigation system information). Additionally or alternatively, thecommunication interface 328 may include one or more components for wiredcommunication (e.g., port(s), amplifier, signal formatter, and/or signaldeformatter). For example, the communication interface 328 may transmitone or more electrical signals on one or more wires and/or receive oneor more electrical signals on one or more wires (e.g., Ethernet cable,universal serial bus (USB) cable, phone cable). Accordingly, thesignal(s) may be communicated using a wired and/or wireless link. Forexample, the signal may be communicated using a mesh network, Wi-Finetwork, cellular network, Ethernet network, and/or one or more otherwired and/or wireless networks. In various embodiments, the data may becommunicated to one or more center pivot irrigation systems. Forexample, data and/or instructions may be communicated to a server, whichmay relay the data and/or instructions to a center pivot irrigationsystem (e.g., control device). In another example, the data and/orinstructions may be communicated to a center pivot irrigation systemover a network or communication link without being relayed by a server.

The communication interface 328 may receive center pivot irrigationsystem information. For example, the communication interface 328 mayreceive center pivot irrigation system information using a wired and/orwireless link from one or more center pivot irrigation systems. Forinstance, the communication interface 328 may receive a signal from acontrol device indicating the information. The electronic device 324 maynotify one or more users of the information. For example, one or moredevices may present all or part of the information on the display 340(via a user interface 342, for instance). Examples of center pivotirrigation system information may include center pivot irrigation systemlocation (e.g., pivot center location, coordinates, latitude andlongitude, WGS coordinates) and status information or relatively currentinformation.

The communication interface 328 may send one or more instructions to oneor more center pivot irrigation systems. For example, the communicationinterface 328 may send instructions regarding pivot activation, pivotmovement direction, pivot movement speed, whether to deliver pressurizedfluid, flow of pressurized fluid, auxiliary fluid delivery, and/or pivotposition, etc.

The processor 330 may be coupled to the communication interface 328, tothe memory 332, and/or to the display 340. The processor 330 may executeinstructions (e.g., logic, code) to perform one or more operations. Thememory 332 may include instructions and/or data. In various embodiments,the memory 332 may include communication logic 334, control logic 336,and/or diagramming logic 338. The processor 330 may execute thecommunication logic 334, control logic 336, and/or diagramming logic338.

In various embodiments, the communication logic 334 may enable theelectronic device 324 to communicate remotely with one or more centerpivot irrigation systems. For example, the communication logic 334 mayenable the processor 330 to receive center pivot irrigation systeminformation from one or more center pivot irrigation systems (directlyand/or via a server, for example) and/or may enable the processor 330 tosend one or more instructions to one or more center pivot irrigationsystems. For instance, the communication logic 334 may be executed bythe processor 330 to format instructions for reception and/or executionby one or more center pivot irrigation systems. Additionally oralternatively, the communication logic 334 may be executed by theprocessor 330 to interpret the center pivot irrigation systeminformation received from one or more center pivot irrigation systems(directly and/or via a server, for example).

The control logic 336 may enable the electronic device 324 (e.g.,processor 330) to remotely control one or more center pivot irrigationsystems. As used herein, the term “control” and variations thereof mayinvolve direct or indirect control. For example, control may includesending instructions or commands to another device for execution. Forinstance, the processor 330 may generate one or more instructions tocontrol one or more center pivot irrigation systems based on receiveduser input (e.g., input received via the user interface 342). In variousembodiments, the control logic 336 may generate instructions to remotelycontrol one or more center pivot irrigation systems in accordance withone or more of the functions and/or operations described in connectionwith one or more of FIGS. 1-2, 4-6, and/or 11-34. The instructions maybe sent via the communication interface 328. For example, theinstructions may be sent to a center pivot irrigation system over anetwork and/or via one or more servers. In another example, theinstructions may be sent without any intervening device (e.g., as adirect radio signal or over a wire).

In various embodiments, the processor 330 may remotely control one ormore center pivot irrigation systems. For instance, the processor 330may remotely control pivot activation, pivot movement direction, pivotmovement speed, whether pressurized fluid is being delivered, flow ofpressurized fluid, whether auxiliary fluid, and/or pivot radialposition, etc. For example, the processor 330 may remotely control oneor more electronic switches and/or settings in order to control the oneor more functions of one or more center pivot irrigation systems.

In various embodiments, the electronic device 324 may receive and/orpresent center pivot irrigation system information. For example, thecenter pivot irrigation system information may include information(e.g., status information, current information) regarding pivotactivation, pivot movement direction, pivot movement speed, whetherpressurized fluid is being delivered, flow of pressurized fluid, whetherauxiliary fluid is being delivered, and/or pivot radial position, etc.For instance, the electronic device 324 may present one or more kinds ofinformation on the user interface 342. The user interface 342 may bepresented on the display 340. In various embodiments, the user interface342 may present the information using one or more diagrams, shapes,maps, colors, text, controls, etc. Examples of information presentationare given in connection with one or more of FIGS. 11-31. For instance,the electronic device 324 may (e.g., the processor 330 may executediagramming logic 338 to) render, on the circular shape of the userinterface 342, an indicator of a radial position (e.g., current radialposition of the pivot, current pivot angle from status information) ofthe center pivot irrigation system based on the center pivot irrigationsystem information.

In various embodiments, the electronic device 324 may request map data.For example, the electronic device 324 (e.g., communication interface328) may send a request to one or more devices (e.g., servers) torequest map data that includes one or more images including a locationor locations of one or more center pivot irrigation systems. In someapproaches, the electronic device 324 may request the map data based oncenter pivot irrigation system information (e.g., one or more locationsof one or more center pivot irrigation systems). For example, theelectronic device 324 may request map data by requesting one or moreimages including one or more locations of one or more center pivotirrigation systems. For instance, the electronic device 324 may sendcoordinates of one or more locations of one or more center pivots torequest the map data.

In various embodiments, the communication interface 328 may receive mapdata (e.g., satellite map data). Examples of map data may include one ormore images (e.g., satellite images) of areas where the center pivotirrigation system(s) are located, photosynthesis maps of one or moreareas (e.g., fields) serviced by the center pivot irrigation system(s),and/or metadata maps (e.g., road maps, geographical maps).

The diagramming logic 338 may be executed to render a user interface342. The user interface 342 may be a graphical user interface (GUI) thatincludes a representation of one or more center pivot irrigationsystems. Depending on the embodiment, a variety of different userinterfaces 342 may be generated and/or rendered (e.g., presented) inaccordance with the systems and methods described herein. For example,the diagramming logic 338 may be executed to render a user interface 342with a circular shape and without a map, without a circular shape andwith a map, or with a circular shape and with a map. In some embodimentswhere a map is not rendered, map data may not be requested and/or maynot be received.

In various embodiments, the electronic device 324 may (e.g., theprocessor 330 may execute the diagramming logic 338 to) render, on theuser interface 342, a circular shape representing a center pivotirrigation system. As used herein, the term “circular shape” andvariations thereof may denote a full circular shape and/or a partialcircular shape (e.g., comprising one or more wedges that do not form afull circular shape). For example, a “circular shape” may be depicted asa full circle or a partial circle (e.g., a full circle having a wedge or“pie slice” shape removed). For instance, a circular shape may symbolizea center pivot irrigation system.

In various embodiments, the electronic device 324 may (e.g., theprocessor 330 may execute the diagramming logic 338 to) render (e.g.,present) a user interface 342 with a map of a center pivot irrigationsystem based on the map data. For example, the electronic device 324 maypresent a map (e.g., satellite image, photosynthesis map, metadata map)of the center pivot irrigation system on the user interface 342.

In various embodiments, the diagramming logic 338 may be executed torender one or more markers on the user interface 342 based on the centerpivot irrigation system information. As used herein, a “marker” may be avisual object (e.g., line(s), dot(s), character(s), and/or shape(s))that may be rendered on a user interface to indicate or representinformation. In some examples, the diagramming logic 338 may be utilizedto render the one or more markers with the circular shape and/or mapdata. The marker(s) may be presented on the user interface 342. Forexample, the diagramming logic 338 may be executed to render a markerindicating a radial position (e.g., “current” radial position) of thepivot based on the center pivot irrigation system information. Forinstance, the diagramming logic 338 may be executed to render a line atthe radial position of the pivot on the user interface 342 (e.g., on thecircular shape and/or map). Additionally or alternatively, thediagramming logic 338 may render a marker and/or an area with aparticular color (e.g., green, red, orange) to indicate an aspect of thecenter pivot irrigation system information. For example, if a pivot iscurrently moving forward, a marker and/or area may be marked in green,if the pivot is currently moving in reverse, the marker and/or area maybe marked in orange, or if the pivot is not currently moving, the markerand/or area may be marked in red. In yet another example, a blue outlinemay be shown at an edge of the area, representing an angular range overwhich fluid (e.g., water) is programmed for delivery. In some examples,a marker may be presented with a particular shape to indicate an aspectof the center pivot irrigation system information.

The electronic device 324 may receive an input via the user interface342 indicating an input point on the user interface 342. In variousembodiments, the electronic device 324 may include or may be linked toan input device. In some examples, the display 340 may be a touchscreenthat is sensitive to contact (from a finger and/or stylus, forinstance). The touchscreen may receive the input indicating the inputpoint on the user interface 342. In some examples, the electronic device324 may be linked to (e.g., in communication with) a mouse, pointer,motion control, controller, or other input device. For instance, thedisplay 340 may present a cursor. When an input (e.g., click event, tap,button press) is received, the location of the cursor or the location ofcontact may correspond to the input point. For example, an input pointmay be a location (e.g., coordinate point, pixel) corresponding to theinput.

In various embodiments, the electronic device 324 (e.g., processor 330)may determine a relationship between the user interface 342 and theinput point. For example, the electronic device 324 may determine alocation of the input point relative to a circular shape on the userinterface 342. This relationship may be expressed as a vector relativeto a center point of the circular shape, as an angle relative to adirection from a center point of the circular shape, and/or as acoordinate of the circular shape, etc. Additionally or alternatively,the electronic device 324 may receive an input via the user interface342 indicating an input point on a map of the user interface 342. Forexample, the electronic device 324 may determine a pixel of the mapcorresponding to the input point, and/or may determine a coordinate(e.g., latitude and longitude, WGS coordinate) corresponding to thepixel and/or the input point on the map.

In various embodiments, the electronic device 324 may (e.g., processor330 may execute the diagramming logic 338 to) render, on the userinterface 342, an alteration point marker on the circular shape. Thealteration point marker may be rendered at a position aligned with theinput point and a center of the circular shape. For example, thealteration point marker may be rendered in a linear relationship withthe center of the circular shape and the input point. In some examples,the alteration point marker may be a line, a dot, a point, a character,a shape, etc. For instance, a line may be rendered in a linearrelationship with the center of the circular shape or a point may berendered in a linear relationship with the center of the circular shape.For example, the alteration point marker may be rendered at a position(e.g., pixel coordinate position) of the input point on the circularshape.

The alteration point marker may represent an alteration point for thepivot. An alteration point may be a location of the user interface 342.In some examples, the alteration point may be a value (e.g., vector,coordinate, angle) relative to the circular shape of the user interface342. The alteration point may correspond to a radial position of thepivot at which a change in operation of the pivot is set to occur.Accordingly, the position of the alteration point marker (of the userinterface 342) may correspond to a (real-world) radial position of thepivot.

In various embodiments, the electronic device 324 may (e.g., processor330 may execute the diagramming logic 338 to) render, on the userinterface 342, an alteration point marker on the map. The alterationpoint marker may be rendered at a position aligned with the input pointand a pivot center location (on the map). For example, the alterationpoint marker may be rendered in a linear relationship with the pivotcenter location. In some examples, the alteration point marker may be aline, a dot, a point, a character, a shape, etc. For instance, a linemay be rendered in a linear relationship with the pivot center locationor a point may be rendered in a linear relationship with the pivotcenter location. For example, the alteration point marker may berendered at a position (e.g., pixel coordinate position) of the inputpoint on the map.

The alteration point marker may represent an alteration point for thepivot. An alteration point may be a location of the user interface 342.In some examples, the alteration point may be associated with a value(e.g., vector, coordinate, angle) relative to the map of the userinterface 342. The alteration point may correspond to a radial positionof the pivot at which a change in operation of the pivot is set tooccur. Accordingly, the position of the alteration point marker (of theuser interface 342) may correspond to a (real-world) radial position ofthe pivot.

The electronic device 324 may (e.g., the processor 330 may executecontrol logic 336 to) control the center pivot irrigation system toalter operation of the pivot at the radial position. For example, theelectronic device 324 may generate one or more instructions based on thereceived input. For instance, the processor 330 may execute controllogic 336 to generate one or more instructions for controlling one ormore operations of one or more center pivot irrigation systems based onthe input. The electronic device 324 may control the center pivotirrigation system by sending the instructions to alter operation of thepivot when the pivot is at the radial position. Control of the centerpivot irrigation system by the electronic device 324 may be direct(e.g., control commands are issued directly to the center pivotirrigation system to alter the position of the pivot or some otheraspect of the operation of the center pivot irrigation system) orindirect (e.g., the electronic device 324 issues instructions to thecenter pivot irrigation system and the center pivot irrigation systemmodifies its internally stored scheduling and operation procedures inaccordance with the instructions).

In various embodiments, the user interface 342 may include one or moreimages and/or controls. For example, the user interface 342 may provideone or more buttons that may receive an event (e.g., touch from a touchscreen, mouse click) indicating user input. In various embodiments, theelectronic device 324 (e.g., processor 330) may render a fine positioncontrol in the user interface 342. For example, the fine positioncontrol may include a button or buttons, slider or sliders, etc., foradjusting the alteration point (and/or the corresponding radialposition). A fine position control may enable and/or provide adjustmentin an incremental fashion. For example, the fine position control mayenable adjustment of the alteration point (and/or the correspondingradial position) in degree increments, sub-degree increments, pixelincrements, distance increments, coordinate grid increments, etc. Theelectronic device 324 may receive an adjustment input corresponding tothe fine position control. For example, a touch screen may receive a tapand/or drag, or a mouse may receive a click and/or drag corresponding tothe fine position control. The electronic device 324 may adjust thealteration point based on the adjustment input. For example, theelectronic device 324 may adjust the alteration point by one or moreincrements as indicated by the adjustment input.

In various embodiments, the electronic device 324 may (e.g., theprocessor 330 may execute the diagramming logic 338 to) combine two ormore sources of information to generate one or more diagrams (e.g., mapsand/or circular shapes) of one or more center pivot irrigation systems.For example, the diagramming logic 338 may be executed to combine animage of an area serviced by a center pivot irrigation system with pivotradial position information to produce a diagram that illustrates thepivot radial position (e.g., “current” radial position) with the area.

In various embodiments, the diagramming logic 338 may be executed tocombine a photosynthesis map with the other map data and/or information.For example, the diagramming logic 338 may produce a diagram of a centerpivot irrigation system with a photosynthesis map indicatingphotosynthesis activity over the area. In various embodiments, thecontrol logic 336 may utilize the photosynthesis map to remotely controla center pivot irrigation system to deliver more fluid to one or moreareas with an amount of (e.g., more or less) photosynthesis. Forexample, the control logic 336 may send instructions indicating one ormore angle ranges with relatively slower movement speed and/or higherfluid pressure to deliver more fluid to the areas with an amount ofphotosynthesis. Additionally or alternatively, for example, heat mapsmay be utilized, and more fluid delivery may be programmed forrelatively hotter areas. Also, other types of maps may be utilizedbeyond heat or photosynthesis maps. Examples of the user interface 342and/or corresponding functions of the electronic device 324 are given inconnection with one or more of FIGS. 11-31.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating one configuration of a method 400for controlling a center pivot irrigation system. The method 400 may beperformed by the electronic device 324 described in connection with FIG.3 or another electronic device. For example, an electronic device (e.g.,a processor of the electronic device) may execute instructions toperform one or more functions of the method 400.

An electronic device may render 402, on a user interface, a circularshape representing a center pivot irrigation system. This may beaccomplished as described in connection with FIG. 3. As described inconnection with FIG. 1, a center pivot irrigation system may include apivot center and a pivot. The pivot may extend from the pivot center andinclude a plurality of irrigation sprinklers coupled to one or moreirrigation lines. The pivot may be configured to rotate about the pivotcenter through different radial positions relative to the pivot center.Rendering 402 the circular shape may include rendering a full or partialcircular shape (e.g., graphic) on the user interface.

The electronic device may receive 404 an input via the user interfaceindicating an input point on the user interface (e.g., on the circularshape of the user interface). This may be accomplished as described inconnection with FIG. 3. For example, the electronic device may receivean input from a touch screen, mouse, controller, etc., that indicatesthe input point on the user interface.

The electronic device may render 406, on the user interface, analteration point marker on the circular shape at a position. This may beaccomplished as described in connection with FIG. 3. In some examples,the alteration point marker may be aligned with the input point and acenter of the circular shape. The alteration point marker may representan alteration point for the pivot, where the alteration pointcorresponds to a radial position of the pivot at which a change inoperation of the pivot is set to occur. The position of the alterationpoint marker may correspond to a radial position of the pivot.

In various embodiments, the electronic device may (e.g., a processor mayexecute the instructions to) determine the radial position based on theinput point. For example, the electronic device may determine acoordinate of the input point on the circular shape (e.g., geometricalcoordinates or x and y coordinates relative to the center point of thecircular shape). The electronic device may calculate the radial positionbased on the coordinate and a coordinate of the pivot center. Forexample, the electronic device 324 may utilize a geometric (e.g.,trigonometric) function to determine an angle of the input pointrelative to the circular shape (e.g., a direction). The angle may berelated or transformed to the radial position. For example, the anglemay directly correspond to the radial position (e.g., angle of thepivot) or may be transformed (e.g., rotated) to obtain the radialposition. Other approaches may be utilized to determine the radialposition.

The electronic device may control 408 the center pivot irrigation systemto alter operation of the pivot at the radial position. This may beaccomplished as described in connection with FIG. 3. For example, theelectronic device may receive an operation input indicating the changein operation via the user interface. In various embodiments, theelectronic device may control the center pivot irrigation system bycommanding the center pivot irrigation system to execute the change inoperation based on the alteration point (e.g., at the radial positioncorresponding to the alteration point). In some examples, the electronicdevice may control the center pivot irrigation system with a programapproach and/or with a direct command approach. In the program approach,the electronic device may send a program (e.g., a set of instructions orcommands) to be executed by the center pivot irrigation system. Forinstance, the center pivot irrigation system may execute the program andstop operation or may repeat the program as instructed by the program.In the direct command approach, the electronic device may send a commandor commands to the center pivot irrigation system, which the centerpivot irrigation system may execute indefinitely.

In various configurations, the electronic device may (e.g., a processorof the electronic device may execute instructions to) render a fineposition control of the alteration point marker on the user interface.In some examples, the fine position control may include an increase anddecrease control interface (e.g., buttons). The electronic device mayreceive an adjustment input corresponding to the fine position control.In response to the adjustment input, the electronic device may render,on the user interface, the alteration point marker at a second positionin accordance with the adjustment input. For example, the adjustmentinput may indicate an adjustment (e.g., increase in angle, decrease inangle, translation in coordinate, vector modification) to the alterationpoint. The electronic device may adjust the alteration point and renderthe corresponding alteration point marker for a second position. Thesecond position may correspond to a second radial position of the pivot.The electronic device may control the center pivot irrigation system toalter operation of the pivot at the second radial position.

In various embodiments, the electronic device may (e.g., a processor ofthe electronic device may execute instructions to) control the centerpivot irrigation system to alter operation of the pivot at the radialposition by commanding the center pivot irrigation system to stopmoving, to start moving, to activate an end gun, to deactivate an endgun, to change speed, to change direction, to supply auxiliary material,to stop supplying auxiliary material, to change auxiliary materialsupply, to activate liquid flow, or to deactivate liquid flow at theradial position. For example, the electronic device may send one or moreinstructions or commands to a center pivot irrigation system (e.g.,control device) to perform the change in operation at a radial position(e.g., first radial position, second radial position, and/or otherradial position).

In various embodiments, the electronic device may (e.g., a processor ofthe electronic device may execute instructions to) render an alterationpoint marker at a second position aligned with a second input point. Thesecond position may correspond to a second radial position of the pivot.The second radial position may be radially offset from (e.g., differentfrom) the first radial position. For example, the electronic device mayreceive one or more additional inputs. The electronic device may renderalteration point markers for the one or more additional input points.Each of the alteration point markers may respectively correspond to aradial position of the pivot where a change in operation may be set tooccur.

In various embodiments, the electronic device may (e.g., a processor ofthe electronic device may execute instructions to) receive a secondinput via the user interface indicating a second input point on thecircular shape of the user interface. The electronic device may render,on the display, an arc between the alteration point marker and a secondalteration point marker at a second position aligned with the secondinput point and the location of the pivot center. The arc may indicate arange of the change in operation. In some examples, the electronicdevice may render, on the display, a plurality of color-coded arcscorresponding to a plurality of center pivot irrigation systemoperations.

In various embodiments, the electronic device may (e.g., a processor ofthe electronic device may execute instructions to) control the centerpivot irrigation system by commanding the center pivot irrigation systemto execute a change in operation in a range between a first alterationpoint and a second alteration point. For instance, a change in operationmay be carried out in a range between alteration points (e.g., betweencorresponding radial positions of the pivot). For example, theelectronic device may control the center pivot irrigation system tochange speed at a first radial position and then change the speed at asecond radial position (e.g., at the end of a range).

In various embodiments, the electronic device may (e.g., a processor ofthe electronic device may execute instructions to) build a command tablebased on the change in operation and the alteration point. For instance,the electronic device may build a table of one or more commands forexecution by the center pivot irrigation system (e.g., control device).The table may include data to specify a starting radial position, anending radial position, a device, and a setting for one or moreoperations. An example of a command table is given in Table (1).

TABLE 1 Starting Radial Position A Ending Radial Position A Device ASetting A Starting Radial Position B Ending Radial Position B Device BSetting BIn this example, Table (1) includes a starting radial position, endingradial position, device, and setting for two commands. The startingradial position may indicate a starting radial position (e.g., startingpivot angle, coordinate, vector) at which an alteration in operation mayoccur. The ending radial position may indicate an ending radial position(e.g., ending pivot angle, coordinate, vector) at which an alteration inoperation or action may end. The device may specify a device, such as amotor (e.g., motor for driving the pivot), a chemigator (e.g., a pump todistribute chemicals such as pesticide and/or weed killer), a fertigator(e.g., a pump to distribute fertilizer), or an end gun (e.g., a valve toactivate or deactivate an end gun). The setting may specify a value,such as on or off, speed percentage (or rate of speed), forward orreverse, or other values. It should be noted that the command table maybe encoded in various formats. For example, the command table may beencoded with values and/or formatting (e.g., Extensible Markup Language(XML) tags). For instance, a starting radial position may be a numericvalue for an angle, an ending radial position may be a numeric value foran angle, a device may be a value that maps to different devices, and/orsettings values corresponding to on, off, speed percentage, and/orforward and reverse.

In various embodiments, the electronic device may (e.g., a processor ofthe electronic device may execute instructions to) control the centerpivot irrigation system based on the command table. For example, theelectronic device may send the command table to the center pivotirrigation system for execution.

In various embodiments, the electronic device may (e.g., a processor ofthe electronic device may execute instructions to) display a set ofthumbnail icons corresponding to a set of center pivot irrigationsystems including the center pivot irrigation system. The electronicdevice may receive a selection input selecting the center pivotirrigation system and present the user interface with the circular shapeof the center pivot irrigation system based on the selection input.Examples of thumbnail icons are given in connection with FIGS. 13-14.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating one configuration of a method 500for controlling a center pivot irrigation system. The method 500 may beperformed by the electronic device 324 described in connection with FIG.3 or another electronic device. For example, an electronic device (e.g.,a processor of the electronic device) may execute instructions toperform one or more functions of the method 500.

An electronic device may receive 502 center pivot irrigation systeminformation. This may be accomplished as described in connection withFIG. 3. For example, the electronic device may receive 502 the centerpivot irrigation system information from a center pivot irrigationsystem (e.g., control device) and/or from a server. As described inconnection with FIG. 1, a center pivot irrigation system may include apivot center and a pivot. The pivot may extend from the pivot center andinclude a plurality of irrigation sprinklers coupled to one or moreirrigation lines. The pivot may be configured to rotate about the pivotcenter through different radial positions relative to the pivot center.

The electronic device may request 504 map data based on the center pivotirrigation system information. This may be accomplished as described inconnection with FIG. 3. For example, the electronic device may send arequest to one or more devices (e.g., servers) to request map data thatincludes one or more images including a location or locations of one ormore center pivot irrigation systems. The electronic device may request504 the map data based on center pivot irrigation system information(e.g., one or more locations of one or more center pivot irrigationsystems). For example, the electronic device may request map data byrequesting map data including one or more images including one or morelocations of one or more center pivot irrigation systems. For instance,the electronic device may send coordinates of one or more locations ofone or more center pivots (as indicated by the center pivot irrigationsystem information) to request the map data.

The electronic device may receive 506 the map data (e.g., satellite mapdata, photosynthesis map data, metadata map data). This may beaccomplished as described in connection with FIG. 3. For example, theelectronic device may receive 506 the map data from a second server.

The electronic device may present 508 (on a display, for example) a userinterface with a map of the center pivot irrigation system based on themap data. This may be accomplished as described in connection with FIG.3. For example, the electronic device may present 508 a map (e.g.,satellite image, photosynthesis map, metadata map) of the center pivotirrigation system on the user interface. In some examples, the map datamay be presented in addition to or alternatively from a circular shape.In various embodiments, the electronic device may (e.g., a processor mayexecute the instructions to) render, on the map of the user interface,an indicator of a radial position (e.g., pivot angle) of the centerpivot irrigation system based on the center pivot irrigation systeminformation. For example, the electronic device may render a marker(e.g., point, line, dot, shape, edge, numbers, characters) thatindicates a current radial position (e.g., pivot angle) indicated by thecenter pivot irrigation system information.

The electronic device may receive 510 an input via the user interfaceindicating an input point on the map of the user interface. This may beaccomplished as described in connection with FIG. 3. For example, theelectronic device may receive 510 an input from a touch screen, mouse,controller, etc., that indicates the input point on the map of the userinterface.

The electronic device may render 512, on the map of the user interface,an alteration point marker at a position. This may be accomplished asdescribed in connection with FIG. 3. In some examples, the alterationpoint marker may be aligned with the input point and a pivot centerlocation. The alteration point marker may represent an alteration pointfor the pivot, where the alteration point corresponds to a radialposition of the pivot at which a change in operation of the pivot is setto occur. The position of the alteration point marker may correspond toa radial position of the pivot.

In various embodiments, the electronic device may (e.g., a processor mayexecute the instructions to) determine the radial position based on theinput point. For example, the electronic device may determine acoordinate of the input point on the map (e.g., latitude and longitudecoordinates corresponding to the input point on the map). For example,each point on the map may include or indicate corresponding coordinates.The electronic device may read the corresponding coordinates from themap based on the input point on the map. The electronic device maycalculate the radial position based on the coordinate and a coordinateof the pivot center location. For example, the electronic device mayprovide coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude) of the pivot centerlocation and coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude) of the end ofthe pivot to a function and execute the function to obtain a bearing(e.g., pivot angle) relative to a direction (e.g., north). Otherapproaches may be utilized to determine the radial position.

The electronic device may control 514 the center pivot irrigation systemto alter operation of the pivot at the radial position. This may beaccomplished as described in connection with FIG. 3. For example, theelectronic device may receive an operation input indicating the changein operation via the user interface. The electronic device may associatethe alteration point (e.g., radial position or pivot angle) with thechange in operation. For example, the electronic device may generate aninstruction or command to perform the change in operation at thealteration point (e.g., radial position or pivot angle). In variousembodiments, the electronic device may control 514 the center pivotirrigation system by commanding the center pivot irrigation system toexecute the change in operation based on the alteration point (e.g., atthe radial position corresponding to the alteration point). In someexamples, the alteration point (e.g., a radial position corresponding tothe alteration point) corresponds to an access road. In variousconfigurations, the electronic device may (e.g., a processor of theelectronic device may execute instructions to) control 514 the centerpivot irrigation system by commanding the center pivot irrigation systemto stop the pivot at the radial position based on the alteration input.

In various configurations, the electronic device may (e.g., a processorof the electronic device may execute instructions to) render a fineposition control on the user interface. In some examples, the fineposition control may include an increase and decrease control interface(e.g., buttons). The electronic device may receive an adjustment inputcorresponding to the fine position control. In response to theadjustment input, the electronic device may render, on the userinterface, the alteration point marker at a second position inaccordance with the adjustment input. For example, the adjustment inputmay indicate an adjustment (e.g., increase in angle, decrease in angle,translation in coordinate, vector modification) to the alteration point.The electronic device may adjust the alteration point and render thecorresponding alteration point marker for a second position. The secondposition may correspond to a second radial position of the pivot. Theelectronic device may control the center pivot irrigation system toalter operation of the pivot at the second radial position.

In various embodiments, the electronic device may (e.g., a processor ofthe electronic device may execute instructions to) alter operation ofthe pivot at the radial position by commanding the center pivotirrigation system to stop moving, to start moving, to activate an endgun, to deactivate an end gun, to change speed, to change direction, tosupply auxiliary material, to stop supplying auxiliary material, tochange auxiliary material supply, to activate liquid flow, or todeactivate liquid flow at the radial position. For example, theelectronic device may send one or more instructions or commands to acenter pivot irrigation system (e.g., control device) to perform thechange in operation at a radial position (e.g., first radial position,second radial position, and/or other radial position).

In various embodiments, the electronic device may (e.g., a processor ofthe electronic device may execute instructions to) render an alterationpoint marker at a second position aligned with a second input point. Thesecond position may correspond to a second radial position of the pivot.The second radial position may be radially offset from (e.g., differentfrom) the first radial position. For example, the electronic device mayreceive one or more additional inputs. The electronic device may renderalteration point markers for the one or more additional input points.Each of the alteration point markers may respectively correspond to aradial position of the pivot where a change in operation may be set tooccur.

In various embodiments, the electronic device may (e.g., a processor ofthe electronic device may execute instructions to) receive a secondinput via the user interface indicating a second input point on the mapof the user interface. The electronic device may render, on the display,an arc between the alteration point marker and a second alteration pointmarker at a second position aligned with the second input point and thelocation of the pivot center. The arc may indicate a range of the changein operation. In some examples, the electronic device may render, on thedisplay, a plurality of color-coded arcs corresponding to a plurality ofcenter pivot irrigation system operations.

In various embodiments, the electronic device may (e.g., a processor ofthe electronic device may execute instructions to) receive a secondinput via the user interface indicating a second input point on the mapof the user interface. The electronic device may determine a secondalteration point based on the second input point and the center pivotirrigation system. In various embodiments, the electronic device may(e.g., a processor of the electronic device may execute instructions to)control the center pivot irrigation system by commanding the centerpivot irrigation system to execute a change in operation in a rangebetween a first alteration point and the second alteration point. Forinstance, a change in operation may be carried out in a range betweenalteration points (e.g., between corresponding radial positions of thepivot). For example, the electronic device may control the center pivotirrigation system to activate an end gun at a first radial position andthen deactivate the end gun at a second radial position (e.g., at theend of a range).

In various embodiments, the electronic device may (e.g., a processor ofthe electronic device may execute instructions to) build a command tablebased on the change in operation and the alteration point. This may beaccomplished as described in connection with FIG. 4 and/or Table (1).For instance, the electronic device may build a table of one or morecommands for execution by the center pivot irrigation system (e.g.,control device).

In various embodiments, the electronic device may (e.g., a processor ofthe electronic device may execute instructions to) control the centerpivot irrigation system based on the command table. For example, theelectronic device may send the command table to the center pivotirrigation system for execution.

In various embodiments, the electronic device may (e.g., a processor ofthe electronic device may execute instructions to) display a set ofthumbnail icons corresponding to a set of center pivot irrigationsystems including the center pivot irrigation system. The electronicdevice may receive a selection input selecting the center pivotirrigation system, where presenting the user interface with the map ofthe center pivot irrigation system based on the map data is based on theselection input. Examples of thumbnail icons are given in connectionwith FIGS. 13-14.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface 642 andthe center pivot irrigation system in accordance with variousembodiments of the systems and methods disclosed herein. In thisexample, the user interface 642 includes a circular shape 644. Thecircular shape 644 includes a center 648. As described herein, an inputmay be received and an alteration point marker 646 may be rendered onthe circular shape 644. The alteration point marker 646 represents analteration point corresponding to the radial position 652 of the pivotof a center pivot irrigation system 600 at which a change in operationof the pivot is set to occur. In this example, the alteration pointmarker is illustrated as a dot. It should be noted that the alterationpoint marker 646 may be illustrated (e.g., rendered) differently. Forexample, the alteration point marker 646 may be rendered as a line, anedge of an arc, a shape, and/or a vector, etc.

As can be observed, the relationship (e.g., angle, vector, coordinate)between the center 648 and the alteration point marker 646 on thecircular shape 644 corresponds to the relationship (e.g., angle, vector,coordinate) between the pivot center 602 and the radial position 652.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the user interface 642 includes afine position control 650. The fine position control 650 may be utilizedto adjust the position of the alteration point marker 646. For example,the plus (+) button may increase an angle of the alteration point marker646 and the minus (−) button may decrease the angle of the alterationpoint marker 646.

FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating an example of a pivot 704 of a centerpivot irrigation system. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the pivot 704includes irrigation pipe 754 and a sprinkler 756.

FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating another example of a pivot of a centerpivot irrigation system. FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating anotherexample of a pivot of a center pivot irrigation system. FIG. 10 is adrawing illustrating an example of a housing 1058 of a center pivotirrigation system in which a control device may be housed.

FIG. 11 is an example of a user interface 1160 for remotely controllinga center pivot irrigation system. The user interface 1160 may bepresented on an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 324described in connection with FIG. 3). The user interface 1160 includesinteractive controls for devices, settings, a view list, logging in/out,and checking for updates. When activated, the “Devices” control maynavigate to a user interface showing a set of one or more devices (e.g.,one or more center pivot irrigation systems).

FIG. 12 is an example of another user interface 1262 for remotelycontrolling a center pivot irrigation system. In this example, diagrams(e.g., circular shapes) of six center pivot irrigation systems areshown. Each diagram includes a line 1264 showing a pivot angle of thecorresponding center pivot irrigation system. An outline 1266 aroundeach circle may indicate whether (and/or at what angle range) a centerpivot irrigation system is delivering fluid. For example, a blue outlinemay indicate that water is being pumped through the center pivotirrigation system. Each of the diagrams (e.g., an area 1268 in acircular shape and/or a portion of the area of a circular shape) may becolor coded to indicate a status of the corresponding center pivotirrigation system. For example, green may indicate forward motion,orange may indicate reverse motion, red may indicate that the centerpivot irrigation system is stopped, and/or gray may indicate that thecenter pivot irrigation system is disconnected (e.g., not currently incommunication with the electronic device). Other color schemes may beutilized. In some examples, color coding may cover only a portion of thecircular shape (e.g., an angular range) and/or may be semi-transparent.As shown in FIG. 12, the user interface 1262 may show a name for eachcenter pivot irrigation system and/or a status. For example, the “7.1psi” label may indicate that fluid is currently being delivered at the“West Bar V” center pivot irrigation system at 7.1 pounds per squareinch (psi). If one of the diagrams is activated (e.g., if a touch orclick event is detected for one of the diagrams), the user interface1262 may navigate to a user interface showing more detail and/or controloptions for the corresponding center point irrigation system. A searchfeature for center pivot irrigation systems is also provided. A map viewbutton 1274 is also provided, which may navigate to a map view of centerpivot irrigation system(s) when activated.

FIG. 13 is another example of a user interface 1370 illustratingmultiple diagrams of center pivot irrigation systems. As described inconnection with FIG. 12, color coding may be utilized to indicateinformation for one or more center pivot irrigation systems. A map viewbutton 1372 is also shown in FIG. 13. In some examples, each of thediagrams may be utilized as thumbnail icons to represent a center pivotirrigation system.

FIG. 14 is an example of a user interface 1476 showing a map view ofcenter pivot irrigation systems. As shown in FIG. 14, a user interface1476 may provide a map view of multiple center pivot irrigation systems.The map view may show one or more diagrams 1480 (e.g., circular shapes)of center pivot irrigation systems overlaid on a map 1478. In someexamples, each of the diagrams may be utilized as thumbnail icons torepresent a center pivot irrigation system. In various embodiments, themap view may show a satellite image with information expressed. Forexample, lines may be illustrated to show pivot angles for each of thepivots of the center pivot irrigation systems. Additionally oralternatively, color coding may be utilized to illustrate one or moreaspects of the information (e.g., whether in operation, direction ofmotion). The user interface may navigate to a more detailed view and/orprovide control options if one of the center pivot irrigation systemdiagrams is indicated by received user input (e.g., a touch, a click).

FIG. 15 is an example of a user interface 1582 showing a detailed viewof a center pivot irrigation system. The user interface 1582 may includea button and/or label 1507 for a mode (e.g., panel mode or remote mode).The user interface 1582 may include a diagram 1584 (e.g., circularshape) overlaid on map data 1588 illustrating pivot angle 1586, colorcoding to indicate motion direction, and/or an outline to indicatewhether fluid is being delivered and/or an angular range of fluiddelivery. The user interface 1582 may include a direction button 1590, aspeed button 1592, a delivery button 1594, an auxiliary control button1596, and/or a stop-in-slot button 1598 (which is partially obscured inFIG. 15). As indicated, other buttons may include a status button 1501,a program button 1503, and/or a settings button 1505.

FIG. 16 is another example of a user interface 1609 illustratingmultiple diagrams of center pivot irrigation systems. As described inconnection with FIG. 12, color coding may be utilized to indicateinformation for one or more center pivot irrigation systems. Selectingone of the center pivot irrigation systems may navigate to a userinterface offering more detail on the selected center pivot irrigationsystem as shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 17 is another example of a user interface 1711 showing a detailedview of a center pivot irrigation system. For example, the center pivotirrigation system may have been selected from the user interface 1609 inFIG. 16. The user interface 1711 may include a button for selecting amode (e.g., panel mode for controlling the center pivot irrigationsystem on-site or remote mode for remotely controlling of the centerpivot irrigation system). The user interface 1711 may include a diagramoverlaid on map data illustrating pivot angle, color coding to indicatemotion direction, and/or an outline to indicate whether fluid is beingdelivered and/or an angular range of fluid delivery. The user interface1711 may include a direction button 1713, a speed button 1715, adelivery button 1717, an auxiliary control button 1719, and/or astop-in-slot button 1721. For example, activating the auxiliary controlbutton 1719 may provide options for activating or deactivating auxiliarydelivery (e.g., fertilizer and/or pesticide). If the stop-in-slot button1721 is activated, the pivot may be controlled to stop the pivot at aparticular angle (e.g., along an access road and/or at some set angle).Other buttons may include a status button, a program button, and/or asettings button. Additionally or alternatively, a refresh button 1723, acamera button 1725, and/or a status button 1727 may also be shown.

FIG. 18 is an example of a user interface 1829 when a direction buttonis activated. For example, activating the direction button may provideoptions for control, such as buttons for forward motion 1831, reversemotion 1833, starting (or restarting) motion 1835, and/or stopping 1837.

FIG. 19 is an example of a user interface 1939 when a speed button isactivated. For example, activating the speed button may provide avirtual keypad 1941 for specifying a speed. In some embodiments, thespeed may be expressed in terms of a percentage of a maximum speed.

FIG. 20 is another example of a user interface 2043 when a speed buttonis activated. For example, when a speed is specified, the user interface2043 may indicate a depth 2045 (e.g., number of inches of pressurizedfluid being delivered) and/or an amount of rotation time 2047 needed tocomplete a rotation at the current speed. Other options for controllingspeed may be provided, such as sliders, radio buttons, etc.

FIG. 21 is an example of a user interface 2149 when a delivery button isactivated. For example, activating the delivery button may provideoptions for activating delivery 2151 (e.g., “wet”) and deactivatingdelivery 2153 (e.g., “dry”). These options may control whether a fluidpump is activated.

FIG. 22 is an example of a user interface 2255 for setting astop-in-slot angle. In this example, the stop-in-slot angle 2257 iscurrently at 41 degrees. The user interface 2255 may show a detailedview (e.g., a map 2259) of the area covered by the center pivotirrigation system. In this example, it may be observed that only anangular portion 2261 of the area is color coded and outlined. This mayillustrate programming for the area (e.g., only an angular range that isbeing watered). In some examples, the pivot may be set to automaticallyreverse when reaching the end of the angular portion 2261. In variousembodiments, the stop-in-slot angle 2257 may be adjusted using atouchscreen interface and/or a mouse pointer. In addition, the plusbutton 2263 and minus button 2265 may be utilized for fine adjustment ofthe stop-in-slot angle 2257.

FIG. 23 is another example of a user interface 2367 for setting astop-in-slot angle. In this example, the user interface 2367 enablesassigning names 2369 to a stop-in-slot for later reference and/orselection. For instance, the stop-in-slot may be named “Road” forstopping at an access road. A confirmation button 2371 is also providedfor confirming the stop-in-slot setting and/or returning to a previoususer interface.

FIG. 24 is an example of a user interface 2473 for controlling multiplecenter pivot irrigation systems concurrently. For instance, multiplecenter pivot irrigation systems may be selected and controlledconcurrently. For example, drive direction 2475, speed 2477, delivery2479, auxiliary delivery 2481, and/or stop-in-slot 2483 may be activatedfor all of a set of center pivot irrigation systems.

FIG. 25 is an example of a user interface 2585 when the stop-in-slotbutton is activated. Activating the stop-in-slot button may provideoptions for the stop-in-slot function. For example, options foractivating stop-in-slot 2587, deactivating stop-in-slot 2589, activatingstop-in-slot with a specified angle 2591, leaving stop-in-slot withoutchanges 2593, and/or selecting a preset 2595 may be provided.

FIG. 26 is another example of a user interface 2697 when thestop-in-slot button is activated. In this example, a preset 2699 “BackSwathes” is selected. Accordingly, each selected center pivot irrigationsystem may control its corresponding pivot to a “Back Swathes” presetangle, which may be the same or different for each center pivotirrigation system.

FIG. 27 is an example of a user interface 2701 with a photosynthesis map2703 combined with map data 2705 and center pivot irrigation systeminformation. The photosynthesis map 2703 may be utilized to show areaswhere photosynthesis is or is not occurring in the region covered by acenter pivot irrigation system. Additionally or alternatively, a heatmap may be utilized, which may show relatively hotter or cooler areas.The electronic device may provide a capability of programming differentwatering sectors to deliver more or less fluid. For example, more watermay be provided in areas with less photosynthesis and/or relativelyhigher temperature. As can be observed, different color-coded areas 2709(e.g., sectors) and/or arcs 2707 may be utilized to illustrate ranges inwhich different operations may be performed.

FIG. 28 is an example of a user interface 2811 when the mode button 2813is activated. For example, when the mode button is activated, optionsfor remote control 2815 or panel control 2817 may be provided. This mayallow for specification of a source of control. For instance, panelcontrol 2817 may refer to a local panel on the center pivot irrigationsystem, and remote control 2815 may refer to remote control from theuser interface (e.g., from a remote device).

FIG. 29 is an example of a user interface 2919 for programming sectorsfor end gun operation. An end gun may be an irrigation structure (e.g.,attachment) at the end of the pivot (i.e., the end of the pivot mostremote from the center pivot). The end gun may be utilized to deliverfluid (e.g., water) to an area otherwise beyond the reach of the pivot(e.g., corner areas). The user interface 2919 may include a removebutton 2921, an add button 2923, a start button 2925, an end button2927, a plus button 2929, and/or a minus button 2931. A reverse button2933 and a forward button 2935 are also provided. The user interface2919 may enable programming sectors for an end gun.

The user interface 2919 may be utilized to set one or more sectors(e.g., angular ranges) in which the end gun may be activated (e.g., maydeliver fluid). For example, when the add button 2923 is activated, asector may be added. In various embodiments, the start button 2925highlights when the add button 2923 is activated, and the user interface2919 may then receive input indicating a starting angle for the sector.For example, a user may touch or click on a point on the diagram (e.g.,map, circular shape) to set the starting angle. In various alternateembodiments, the start button 2925 may be activated after the add button2923 has been activated in order to set a starting position for asector. If the end button 2927 is thereafter activated, the userinterface 2919 may receive input indicating an end angle for the sector.Once again, for example, a user may touch or click on a point on thediagram to set the end angle. Additionally or alternatively, if anothersector is added, the starting angle for the additional sector may be setas the end angle for the previous sector in some approaches. The removebutton 2921 may remove one or more selected sectors. As illustrated inFIG. 28, the diagram may include one or more arcs 2937 (e.g., outlineranges) to illustrate the sectors for end gun activation.

The plus button 2929 may be utilized to finely adjust a start or endangle for a sector. For example, after the add button 2923 or end button2927 is activated and a starting or end angle is determined (based onreceived input, for instance), the plus button 2929 may be used tofinely adjust the starting or end angle by adding an amount to thestarting or end angle (e.g., 1 degree, 0.1 degrees or another amount).Similarly, the minus button 2931 may be utilized to finely adjust astart or end angle for a sector. For example, after the add button 2923or end button 2927 is activated and a starting or end angle isdetermined (based on received input, for instance), the minus button2931 may finely adjust the starting or end angle by subtracting anamount from the starting or end angle.

FIG. 30 is an example of a user interface 3039 for programming sectorsfor variable-rate irrigation. The user interface 3039 may include aremove button 3041, an add button 3043, a reverse button 3045, a forwardbutton 3047, a plus button 3049, a minus button 3051, and/or a keypadbutton 3053. The user interface 3039 may enable programming sectors forvariable fluid delivery. For example, different amounts of fluid may beprogrammed to be delivered to different sectors. In various embodiments,a separate speed (and/or pressure) may be set for each sector. It shouldbe noted that, in various embodiments, the slower the pivot moves, themore water will be delivered to a particular sector.

The user interface 3039 may be utilized to set one or more sectors(e.g., angular ranges) for fluid delivery (e.g., variable fluiddelivery). For example, when the add button 3043 is activated, a sectormay be added. The user interface 3039 may receive one or more inputsindicating a starting angle (and/or an end angle) for the sector. Forexample, a user may touch or click on a point on the diagram to set thestarting angle (or an end angle). Additionally or alternatively, ifanother sector is added, the starting angle for the additional sectormay be set as the end angle for the previous sector. In variousembodiments, for example, the starting angle for a next sector may bethe end angle for the last sector. In various embodiments, only a subsetof the area may be set for fluid delivery. Accordingly, the sectors(e.g., starting and/or end angles) may be limited to the subset forfluid delivery. The remove button 3041 may remove one or more selectedsectors. As illustrated in FIG. 30, the diagram (e.g., map and/orcircular shape) may include color-coding and/or shading for each sector.The color coding and/or shading may indicate a relative amount of fluiddelivery. For example, a darker shade may indicate more fluid delivery(e.g., slower pivot motion and/or increased fluid pressure), while alighter shade may indicate less fluid delivery (e.g., faster pivotmotion and/or decreased fluid pressure). The keypad button 3053 may opena keypad for specifying a speed for one or more sectors. For example,keypad inputs may be received specifying a speed for a sector (from 1%to 100% of maximum speed, for instance).

The plus button 3049 may be utilized to finely adjust a start or endangle for a sector. For example, the plus button 3049 may finely adjustthe starting or end angle by adding an amount to the starting or endangle (e.g., 1 degree or another amount). Similarly, the minus button3051 may be utilized to finely adjust a start or end angle for a sector.For example, the minus button 3051 may finely adjust the starting or endangle by subtracting an amount from the starting or end angle. Theforward button 3047 and/or reverse button 3045 may be utilized to setwhether the center pivot irrigation system will operate in forward orreverse for one or more of the sectors. In various embodiments, one ormore other controls and/or labels may be included in the user interface3039. For example, a list of set sectors may be presented withcorresponding angular ranges. It should be noted that the electronicdevice may determine and/or communicate instructions for the sectorprogramming with one or more center pivot irrigation systems. The centerpivot irrigation system(s) may execute the instructions.

In various embodiments, additional data may be overlaid on or behind thediagram. For example, a photosynthesis map and/or a heat map may beoverlaid on the diagram to enable programming based on levels ofphotosynthesis by area and/or based on temperature by area.

FIG. 31 is another example of a user interface 3155 for programmingsectors. In particular, FIG. 31 shows an example of additional contentthat may be included in the user interface 3039 described in connectionwith FIG. 30 (in an area below the diagram, for instance). Inparticular, FIG. 31 illustrates a list or table of sectors 3157 forvariable-rate irrigation with corresponding angular ranges. A percentageof speed may also be presented. In various embodiments, each entry inthe list of sectors may comprise a selectable control that may beutilized to select a sector when a corresponding input is received.Additionally or alternatively, a sector may be selected when an input isreceived corresponding to one or more sectors on the sector diagram.

One or more of the functions described in connection with one or more ofFIGS. 11-31 may be implemented by the electronic device 324 described inconnection with FIG. 3. For example, one or more of the user interfacesdescribed in connection with one or more of FIGS. 11-31 may be examplesof the user interface 342 described in connection with FIG. 3. Forinstance, when one or more of the options (e.g., interface controls) areutilized, the electronic device may generate one or more correspondinginstructions for one or more center pivot irrigation systems. Theinstruction(s) may be sent to the one or more center pivot irrigationsystems, which may execute the instruction(s). For example, one or moreof the user interfaces described herein may be utilized to specify pivotmotion, direction, fluid delivery, stop-in-slot, preset stop angle,auxiliary delivery, speed, sector programming, and/or end gun sectorprogramming, etc.

FIG. 32 is a flow diagram illustrating one configuration of a method3200 for controlling a center pivot irrigation system. The method 3200may be performed by the center pivot irrigation system 100 (e.g., thecontrol device 108, 212) described in connection with one or more ofFIGS. 1-2 or another center pivot irrigation system and/or controldevice. The center pivot irrigation system may determine 3202 centerpivot irrigation system information. This may be accomplished asdescribed in connection with one or more of FIGS. 1-2. For example, thecontrol device may maintain information (in memory, for instance) basedon the current operating state of the center pivot irrigation system.Additionally or alternatively, the control device may utilize one ormore sensors to determine one or more aspects of the information (e.g.,valve sensors to determine whether fluid is being delivered, one or moresensors to determine pivot angle, pressure sensors to determine fluidpressure).

The center pivot irrigation system may send 3204 the center pivotirrigation system information. This may be accomplished as described inconnection with one or more of FIGS. 1-2. For example, the controldevice may send the information to one or more remote devices using awired and/or wireless link.

The center pivot irrigation system may receive 3206 one or moreinstructions. This may be accomplished as described in connection withone or more of FIGS. 1-2. For example, the control device may receiveone or more instructions from one or more remote devices using a wiredand/or wireless link.

The center pivot irrigation system may control 3208 the center pivotirrigation system based on the instruction(s). This may be accomplishedas described in connection with one or more of FIGS. 1-3. For example,the control device may execute the instruction(s) to control the centerpivot irrigation system.

FIG. 33 is a flow diagram illustrating one configuration of a method3300 for controlling a center pivot irrigation system. The method 3300may be performed by the electronic device 324 (e.g., remote device)described in connection with one or more of FIGS. 1 and 3 or anotherelectronic device. The electronic device may receive 3302 center pivotirrigation system information. This may be accomplished as described inconnection with FIG. 3. For example, the electronic device may receiveinformation using a wired and/or wireless link.

The electronic device may receive 3304 map data. For example, theelectronic device may receive map data from one or more sources. Forinstance, the electronic device may request and/or receive satellitephotos and/or photosynthesis maps corresponding to an area where one ormore center pivot irrigation systems are located. In some approaches,the electronic device may request map data based on GPS data from one ormore center pivot irrigation systems. The map data may be requestedand/or received 3304 from one or more devices on a network (e.g., mapservers on the Internet).

The electronic device may present 3306 a user interface based on thecenter pivot irrigation system information and/or the map data. This maybe accomplished as described in connection with FIG. 3. For example, theelectronic device may combine map data with one or more aspects of theinformation to produce a user interface.

The electronic device may determine 3308 one or more instructions basedon a received input. This may be accomplished as described in connectionwith FIG. 3. For example, the electronic device may generate one or moreinstructions to control one or more center pivot irrigation systems inaccordance with the received input.

The electronic device may send 3310 the instruction(s). This may beaccomplished as described in connection with FIG. 3. For example, theelectronic device may send the instruction(s) via a wired and/orwireless link.

FIG. 34 illustrates various components that may be utilized in anelectronic device 3417. The electronic device 3417 described inconnection with FIG. 34 may be configured in accordance with one or moreof the devices described herein. For example, the electronic device 3417may be configured to perform one or more of the methods 400, 500, 3200,3300 described above. The electronic device 3417 may include a memory3401, a communication interface 3409, an input device 3411 (e.g., amicrophone, a touchscreen, or a button), a processor 3403, an outputdevice 3413 (e.g., an audio speaker), a display 3415, and/or a displaycontroller (not shown in FIG. 34). The memory 3401 may storeinstructions 3405 a and data 3407 a. The processor 3403 may operate oninstructions 3405 b and data 3407 b. Additionally or alternatively, someembodiments of the electronic device 3417 may include a button interface(e.g., an input device 3411). It should not be noted that more of thecomponents illustrated in FIG. 34 may be omitted. For example, someembodiments of the electronic device 3417 may not have an output device3413. Some embodiments of the electronic device 3417 may be controlledon a remote display device (e.g., a touch panel) with communicationthrough a remote device. In various embodiments, the processor 3403 maybe configured to control a center pivot irrigation system as describedherein.

The term “discrete circuit” refers to an electronic circuit built out ofdiscrete components. Examples of discrete components include resistors,capacitors, inductors, transformers, transistors, etc.

The term “processor” should be interpreted broadly to encompass ageneral purpose processor, a central processing unit (CPU), amicroprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a controller, amicrocontroller, a state machine, and so forth. Under somecircumstances, a “processor” may refer to an application-specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), etc. The term “processor” may refer to acombination of processing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and amicroprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or moremicroprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchembodiment.

The term “memory” should be interpreted broadly to encompass anyelectronic component capable of storing electronic information. The termmemory may refer to various types of processor-readable media such asrandom access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile randomaccess memory (NVRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM(EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic or optical data storage, registers,etc. Memory is said to be in electronic communication with a processorif the processor can read information from and/or write information tothe memory. Memory that is integral to a processor is in electroniccommunication with the processor.

The terms “instructions” and “code” should be interpreted broadly toinclude any type of computer-readable statement(s). For example, theterms “instructions” and “code” may refer to one or more programs,routines, sub-routines, functions, procedures, etc. “Instructions” and“code” may comprise a single computer-readable statement or manycomputer-readable statements.

The term “computer-readable medium” refers to any available medium thatcan be accessed by a computer or processor. A computer-readable mediummay be non-transitory and tangible. By way of example, and notlimitation, a computer-readable medium may comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM,CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or othermagnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carryor store desired program code in the form of instructions or datastructures and that can be accessed by a computer. Disk and disc, asused herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc,digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray® disc where disksusually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce dataoptically with lasers.

Software or instructions may also be transmitted over a transmissionmedium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website,server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable,twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologiessuch as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiberoptic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such asinfrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition oftransmission medium.

The methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions forachieving the described method. The method steps and/or actions may beinterchanged with one another without departing from the scope of theclaims. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions isrequired for proper operation of the method that is being described, theorder and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modifiedwithout departing from the scope of the claims.

It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the preciseconfigurations and components illustrated above. Various modifications,changes, and variations may be made in the arrangement, operation, anddetails of the systems, methods, and apparatus described herein withoutdeparting from the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device, comprising: memory; atleast one processor coupled to the memory, wherein the at least oneprocessor is configured to: receive center pivot irrigation systeminformation corresponding to a center pivot irrigation system, thecenter pivot irrigation system comprising a pivot center, an access roadto access the pivot center, and a pivot, the pivot extending from thepivot center and comprising a plurality of irrigation sprinklers coupledto an irrigation line, the pivot configured to rotate about the pivotcenter through different radial positions relative to the pivot center;request map data based on the center pivot irrigation systeminformation, the map data comprising one or more images including alocation of the center pivot irrigation system; receive the map data;present a user interface with a map of the center pivot irrigationsystem based on the map data; receive an input via the user interfaceindicating an input point on the map of the user interface; render, onthe map of the user interface, an alteration point marker at a firstposition aligned with the input point and a pivot center locationdepicted on the map, the alteration point marker representing analteration point for the pivot, the alteration point corresponding to afirst radial position of the pivot at which a change in operation of thepivot is set to occur; control the center pivot irrigation system toalter operation of the pivot at the first radial position; render a fineposition control on the user interface, the fine position controlcomprising an increase control interface and a decrease controlinterface for incrementally repositioning the alteration point marker ina clockwise or counterclockwise direction with respect to the pivotcenter location depicted on the map in response to activation of theincrease control interface or the decrease control interface; receive anadjustment input corresponding to the fine position control; adjust thealteration point based on the adjustment input; and render a button onthe user interface, wherein in response to activation of the button, thepivot is repositioned to be situated at least partially within theaccess road for servicing.
 2. The electronic device of claim 1, whereinthe fine position control comprises the increase control interface andthe decrease control interface for incrementally repositioning thealteration point marker in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction insub-degree increments with respect to the pivot center location depictedon the map in response to activation of the increase control interfaceor the decrease control interface.
 3. The electronic device of claim 1,wherein the at least one processor is configured to: determine a firstcoordinate of the input point on the map; and calculate the first radialposition based on the first coordinate and a second coordinate of thepivot center location depicted on the map.
 4. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: receive anoperation input indicating the change in operation via the userinterface; and associate the alteration point with the change inoperation.
 5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein the at least oneprocessor is configured to control the center pivot irrigation system bycommanding the center pivot irrigation system to execute the change inoperation based on the alteration point.
 6. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: receive asecond input via the user interface indicating a second input point onthe map of the user interface; and determine a second alteration pointbased on the second input point and the center pivot irrigation systeminformation.
 7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the at leastone processor is configured to control the center pivot irrigationsystem by commanding the center pivot irrigation system to execute thechange in operation in a range between the alteration point and thesecond alteration point.
 8. The electronic device of claim 1, whereinthe at least one processor is configured to alter operation of the pivotat the first radial position by commanding the center pivot irrigationsystem to stop moving, to start moving, to activate an end gun, todeactivate an end gun, to change speed, to change direction, to supplyauxiliary material, to stop supplying auxiliary material, to changeauxiliary material supply, to activate liquid flow, or to deactivateliquid flow at the first radial position.
 9. A non-transitorycomputer-readable medium storing computer executable code, comprising:code for causing an electronic device to receive center pivot irrigationsystem information from a center pivot irrigation system, the centerpivot irrigation system comprising a pivot center, an access road toaccess the pivot center, and a pivot, the pivot extending from the pivotcenter and comprising a plurality of irrigation sprinklers coupled to anirrigation line, the pivot configured to rotate through different radialpositions relative to the pivot center; code for causing the electronicdevice to request map data based on the center pivot irrigation systeminformation, the map data comprising one or more images including alocation of the center pivot irrigation system; code for causing theelectronic device to receive the map data; code for causing theelectronic device to present a user interface with a map of the centerpivot irrigation system based on the map data; code for causing theelectronic device to receive an input via the user interface indicatingan input point on the map of the user interface; code for causing theelectronic device to render, on the map of the user interface, analteration point marker at a first position aligned with the input pointand a pivot center location depicted the map, the alteration pointmarker representing an alteration point for the pivot, the alterationpoint corresponding to a first radial position of the pivot at which achange in operation of the pivot is set to occur; code for causing theelectronic device to control the center pivot irrigation system to alteroperation of the pivot at the first radial position; code for causingthe electronic device to render a fine position control on the userinterface, the fine position control comprising an increase controlinterface and a decrease control interface for incrementallyrepositioning the alteration point marker in a clockwise orcounterclockwise direction with respect to the pivot center locationdepicted on the map in response to activation of the increase controlinterface or the decrease control interface; code for causing theelectronic device to receive an adjustment input corresponding to thefine position control; code for causing the electronic device to adjustthe alteration point based on the adjustment input; and code for causingthe electronic device to render a button on the user interface, whereinin response to activation of the button, the pivot is repositioned to besituated at least partially within the access road for servicing. 10.The computer-readable medium of claim 9, wherein the fine positioncontrol comprises the increase control interface and the decreasecontrol interface for incrementally repositioning the alteration pointmarker in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction in sub-degreeincrements with respect to the pivot center location depicted on the mapin response to activation of the increase control interface or thedecrease control interface.
 11. The computer-readable medium of claim 9,further comprising: code for causing the electronic device to determinea first coordinate of the input point on the map; and code for causingthe electronic device to calculate the first radial position based onthe first coordinate and a second coordinate of the pivot centerlocation depicted on the map.
 12. The computer-readable medium of claim9, further comprising: code for causing the electronic device to receivean operation input indicating the change in operation via the userinterface; and code for causing the electronic device to associate thealteration point with the change in operation.
 13. The computer-readablemedium of claim 12, further comprising code for causing the electronicdevice to control the center pivot irrigation system by commanding thecenter pivot irrigation system to execute the change in operation basedon the alteration point.
 14. The computer-readable medium of claim 9,further comprising code for causing the electronic device to render, onthe map of the user interface, an indicator of a pivot angle of thecenter pivot irrigation system based on the center pivot irrigationsystem information.
 15. A non-transitory computer-readable mediumstoring computer executable code, comprising: code for causing anelectronic device to receive center pivot irrigation system informationfrom a first server, a center pivot irrigation system comprising a pivotcenter, an access road to access the pivot center, and a pivot, thepivot extending from the pivot center and comprising a plurality ofirrigation sprinklers coupled to an irrigation line, the pivotconfigured to rotate through different radial positions relative to thepivot center; code for causing the electronic device to request map datafrom a second server based on the center pivot irrigation systeminformation, the map data comprising one or more images including alocation of the center pivot irrigation system; code for causing theelectronic device to receive the map data from the second server; codefor causing the electronic device to present, on a display, a userinterface with a map of the center pivot irrigation system based on themap data; code for causing the electronic device to render, on thedisplay, an indicator of a current radial position of the pivot on themap of the user interface; code for causing the electronic device toreceive, via the user interface, an operation input indicating a changein operation; code for causing the electronic device to receive an inputvia the user interface indicating an input point on the map of the userinterface; code for causing the electronic device to render, on the mapof the user interface, an alteration point marker at a first positionaligned with the input point and a pivot center location depicted on themap, the alteration point marker representing an alteration point forthe pivot, the alteration point corresponding to a first radial positionof the pivot at which the change in operation of the pivot is set tooccur; code for causing the electronic device to build a command tablebased on the change in operation and the alteration point; code forcausing the electronic device to control the center pivot irrigationsystem based on the command table; code for causing the electronicdevice to render a fine position control on the user interface, the fineposition control comprising an increase control interface and a decreasecontrol interface for incrementally repositioning the alteration pointmarker in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction with respect to thepivot center location depicted on the map in response to activation ofthe increase control interface or the decrease control interface; codefor causing the electronic device to receive an adjustment inputcorresponding to the fine position control; code for causing theelectronic device to adjust the alteration point based on the adjustmentinput; and code for causing the electronic device to render a button onthe user interface, wherein in response to activation of the button, thepivot is repositioned to be situated at least partially within theaccess road for servicing.
 16. The computer-readable medium of claim 15,wherein the fine position control comprises the increase controlinterface and the decrease control interface for incrementallyrepositioning the alteration point marker in a clockwise orcounterclockwise direction in sub-degree increments with respect to thepivot center location depicted on the map in response to activation ofthe increase control interface or the decrease control interface. 17.The computer-readable medium of claim 15, further comprising: code forcausing the electronic device to receive a second input via the userinterface indicating a second input point on the map of the userinterface; and code for causing the electronic device to render, on thedisplay, an arc between the alteration point marker and a secondalteration point marker at a second position aligned with the secondinput point and the location of the pivot center, wherein the arcindicates a range of the change in operation.
 18. The computer-readablemedium of claim 17, further comprising: code for causing the electronicdevice to render, on the display, a plurality of color-coded arcscorresponding to a plurality of center pivot irrigation systemoperations.
 19. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, furthercomprising: code for causing the electronic device to display a set ofthumbnail icons corresponding to a set of center pivot irrigationsystems including the center pivot irrigation system; and code forcausing the electronic device to receive a selection input selecting thecenter pivot irrigation system, wherein the code for causing theelectronic device to present the user interface with the map of thecenter pivot irrigation system based on the map data is based on theselection input.